Chapter 18

Aurora's POV

Jason's promise to find Melissa’s mother echoed in my mind.

I was trained to lie, and to deceive, but never before had the weight of my own deceit pressed so heavily on my chest. I had expected indifference or, at best, a half-hearted gesture, not this... not a vow.

After all, everything I said was a lie. I had written that fake letter and switched it with Louis’. Because I suspected that Jason would intercept the letter sent by the guy from the postal office. So I  wrote fake letter to be used when Jason decided to have me followed while doing the pickup.

And a few nights ago, I sneaked out of the maid's quarters and into Jason’s study. It was locked but I worked with a hairpin and soon I was inside rummaging through his desk and shelves.

I came across the seals of several Packs Jason was affiliated with. Some bore the proud insignia of powerful packs, but my fingers had closed around the seal of the Vellex Pack.

I decided to go with it because it was 

the most remote and unassuming of them all. A bottom-tier pack that no one in Jason’s circle would bother with. 

After sealing the fake letter, I returned to my room. 

So standing before Jason who promised to find Melissa's mother, was quite unexpected.

I kept my face blank, nodded and murmured. “Thank you, my Lord.” Before slipping out of his room. 

Once I reached the dim and narrow maid quarters, I exhaled. The room was empty—blessedly so. I cast a wary glance over my shoulder, then pulled the crumpled letter from the hidden pocket of my petticoat:

“If you are truly Aurora, then I will help you sneak out of the RedMoon Pack. But that would be on the day of the Red Moon festival. And from what I heard, it will be happening in a few days, so let's meet each other at the riverbank.”

Louis.

My pulse drummed in my ears. How long did it take for this letter to reach me? The Red Moon festival was the day after tomorrow.

It was a really short time to put together a plan. But at the end of the day, it had to be done.

Hissing loudly, I crumpled the letter back into its hiding place and smoothed my apron. There was no time to waste. I needed to supervise Jason's dinner preparations. 

And come up with a plan afterwards.

I rounded a corner, lost in thought, and crashed into something soft. My hands shot forward, gripping smooth fabric as I stumbled back.

"Watch where you’re going!" Lydia’s voice rang out.

I bowed immediately, eyes to the floor. "Forgive me, my Lady." I pleaded.

I moved to step aside, but her hand shot out, fingers curling around my arm. "Not so fast.” She sneered. "Did you just step on my gown?"

Her lavender silk gown had a small wrinkle near the hem. "I didn’t mean to—"

Her slap was quick, and my head turned to the side due to the impact.

"On your knees!” She commanded. "Lick it clean."

I opened my mouth, a refusal balanced on the edge of my tongue, but my body remained frozen.

Suddenly—

"Melissa." Jason called out. "Is there a reason you’re still here?"

"Jason, darling, I was only—" She began. 

He ignored her, his gaze fixed on me. "It’s nearly time for dinner.” He said. "I believe the kitchen is expecting you."

Smiling, I bowed my head. "Yes, Lord Alpha." I murmured, stepping away from Lydia.

She said nothing as I passed, but I could feel her eyes on me.

<<

The days passed. And then, all at once, the Red Moon festival arrived.

The Packhouse was unusually quiet. I expected a flurry of maids preparing, but only Leah seemed to be getting ready. 

Her brown dress, though worn, was clean, and her hair was pinned back.

"Leah." I approached cautiously. "Are we not allowed to attend the festival?"

She chuckled. "Only those of us with duties. The maids are not permitted to leave their posts. But you... as the Alpha's personal maid, you must attend."

She reached behind her and pulled out a dress. The pale fabric was frayed at the edges. "Here, take this. It was Ma'am Lydia's once."

I hesitated. "I... I don’t need this."

"Nonsense.” She insisted, pressing it into my arms. "You’ll need to blend in."

I forced a smile, murmuring a soft "Thank you" Before retreating to my quarters.

Dressed and ready, I made my way to Jason’s room to help him prepare. But as I opened the door, Lydia was already there, draping his shoulders with a red cloak. 

She shot me a look of victory, and Jason merely waved me away.

So I went to the gates, and stood beside Leah. Waiting as Jason and Lydia entered the carriage. The road to the Pack's square was filled with colors and sounds. 

Laughter and music filled the air, but wherever the Alpha's carriage passed, the crowd parted like the sea.

Jason and Lydia took their seats at the high table, surrounded by Ethan and the elders. Leah and I stood at the corner, invisible in plain sight.

"I need to relieve myself." I whispered to Leah.

She barely looked at me. "Go deep into the forest. You know how the couples get during the festival."

I nodded and slipped away. The further I went, the softer the sounds of celebration became. Couples tangled in each other’s arms littered the path, but I kept my gaze forward.

At the riverbank, a carriage sat half-hidden by the trees. The crest of the vampire kingdom shimmered on its side, and my pulse quickened.

I stepped closer, my feet sinking into the damp earth. "Louis?" I whispered.

A twig snapped behind me. My body reacted before my mind could process.

Spinning around, a cold edge pressed against my throat. I glanced down to see the tip of a sword on my neck.

And behind it, Louis stood with an unreadable expression. “It was you who sent the letter, wasn't it?” He asked.

And I nodded.

“Are you really Aurora?” He questioned further.

Nodding my head slowly, I replied. “You wouldn't be here if you didn't believe me, would you?”